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The Best Advent Calendars for Every Kind of Person

Photo-Illustration: The Strategist; Photos: Retailers

Growing up, your Advent-calendar choices may have been between Cadbury or Mars, but now, Advent calendars cater to practically every interest (and price range). In fact, no matter whom you’re buying for, there’s likely an Advent calendar tailored to their highly specific tastes. Whether they enjoy an elaborate cheese board or have an insatiable bath-bomb habit, we’ve sourced an Advent calendar for every type of person, and we’re confident you’ll find one for even the hardest-to-shop-for person on your list. Many of the calendars below guarantee delivery before December 1 but suggest ordering sooner, so don’t dillydally.

For the nephew who got sorted into Gryffindor

Lego’s Advent calendars feature exclusive character models you can’t get in existing sets. In addition to buildable pieces like a gold vault and a Privet Drive sign, this set includes mini-figures of Harry, Hermione, Draco, and Ron.

For the niece who loves riding the DLR

If she is enamoured of trains, this Brio set features track pieces, animals, and a special Christmas train.

For the family dog (who has been a very good boy)

This posh dog-food brand, which Russell Tovey insists on feeding his three dogs, has released an Advent calendar full of treats.

For the mum who insists on smoked salmon for Christmas morning

Based in Knightsbridge, Prunier is known for making some of the finest caviar in the world. Their Advent calendar features 24 mixed 10-gram tins of caviar. This calendar ships November 22.

For the sister who added Eurostar vouchers to her Christmas wish list

This calendar contains various delights including melon calissons, caramels, and chocolate bonbons.

For the brother who just bought his first house

Instead of lugging houseplants home from Ikea, he can have this Advent calendar filled with succulents, cacti, planters, and baubles for his first Christmas tree.

For the son who has written his first letter to Santa

This Peppa Pig calendar with figures and festive decorations would be perfect for a 3-year-old.

For the fiancée who can’t wait to say ‘I do’

Lark and Berry’s Advent calendar features 12 days of diamond charms including mined and cultured diamonds with white and yellow gold. [Editor’s note: This product is made to order].

For the granny who has strong opinions on peel-free marmalade

Her toast will taste so much more refined with these miniature jams and marmalades, which come in flavours including lemon and yuzu, cherry and hibiscus, and orange spiced with cinnamon.

For the granddad whose palette is more umami

He’ll love this selection of Lakrids liquorice, which happens to be gluten free. Each window comes with two pieces, so he can share (if he feels like it).

For the housemate who lets you borrow her La Mer

An Advent calendar packed with Penhaligon’s products will keep you in her good books. This features all kinds of products including an orange-blossom lip balm, a mini-candle, and a brass charm — and the packaging will look particularly tasteful in your shared living room.

For the boyfriend who is particular about his brew

For the cousin who recently converted to pour-over

This calendar looks like something from a Swiss-mountain gift shop and features sachets of whole-bean and ground coffee.

For the cousin who always finds room for dessert

We are big fans of Charbonnel et Walker truffles at the Strategist UK. This Advent calendar includes a mix of classic chocolates and truffles.

For the cousin who prefers a cheese course

Paxton and Whitfield’s calendar works a little differently with the contents being delivered to your recipient three times across December. Each day features 75 grams of cheese — enough to enjoy solo — and comes with recipe cards detailing tasting and pairing notes.

For the godson who sends handwritten thank-you notes

Paperchase’s Advent calendar is a stationary lover’s dream. It contains £85 worth of products — including a £5 voucher — and includes notelets, a notebook, pens, and washi tape.

For the dad whose musical socks are losing their juice

This calendar features many arresting sock designs, none of which plays a maudlin version of ‘Jingle Bells’.

For the godmother who is rather traditional

This pillar Advent calendar is tastefully decorated with British wildlife and is designed to be burned a little bit each day of December.

For the wife who insists stacking is an art

If more is, well, more, then this Advent calendar from Strategist favourite Missoma will be just the thing. It features 12 pieces including bracelets, hoop and stud earrings, hair clips, and anklets, and is worth £812.

For the husband who can soak for 70 minutes

Featuring bath bombs, shampoo bars, and lip balms, this Advent calendar features both exclusive and discontinued Lush products he won’t be able to get at the store.

For the girlfriend who fills her Chilly’s with Sauvignon Blanc

Brixton Wine Club’s first-ever Advent calendar includes tasting notes. During December, the club will offer Instagram Lives discussing each day’s wine.

For the boyfriend who insists he’s too old for an Advent calendar

The Strategist UK is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Read about who we are and what we do here. Our editors update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

The Best Advent Calendars for Every Kind of Person